Paper Title
THE RECENT APPLICATIONS OF NANOFILTRATIONIN FOOD PROCESSING INDUSTRIES
Abstract
Nanofiltration (NF) was introduced in 1980s for the first time while Ultrafiltration (UF) and Reverse Osmosis (RO) were commonly used before it. Since using reverse osmosis membranes have led to high costs, nanofiltration membranes were widely used. Like ultrafiltration and reverse osmosis, nanofiltration membranes are pressure-driven but their properties are in between those of them. As nanofiltration is not rigid like reverse osmosis, it can work with less pressure of water so they can eradicate 50% to 80% of chloride and sodium. Since nanofiltration membranes can rapidly obliterate soluble particles with a molecular weight which are larger than 200 Da, using these membranes is acceptable for water with low total dissolved like surface water because they can root out organic substances and soften water. Moreover, it isinstrumental for water and wastewater treatment and desalination of industrial zones that there are a large variety of ions and organic materials which causes many environmental hazards. Due to population growth, global warming, industrialization and global water shortage, the world is dealing with insoluble water problems. Therefore, as nanofiltration membranes have been used in a considerable number of majores such as biotechnology, pharmaceuticals, agriculture and water and wastewater treatment, using them is the practical way to wipe those problems out and a pragmatic approach for accessing to fresh, safe and clean water. The nanofiltration usage has resulted in the production of drinking water from water sources, including rain water, sea water, ground water as well surface water. Food industries are one of the most important factors of microbial and chemical contamination of water sources and dairy wastewater has a pivotal role. It is estimated that a significant amount of the produced milk is wasted, which leads to generate an astonishing amount of wastewater, which has a considerable amount of protein. It’s possible to reuse it and enhance the water quality by water and wastewater treatment resulted in reducing costs and water pollution. Hence, using nanofiltration membranes material for food industry effluent is attracting the growing amount of attention. There is a large variety of nanofiltration construction that can practically apply for water and wastewater treatment along with different water quality such as acidic and alkaline environment. Although, some problems as fouling are remained challenge but improving membranes with utilizing nano particles which synthesized by state-of-the-art methods like green synthesis, cause hold these problems back and attain high-quality water. Due to water shortage and possible dangers of contaminated water, taking innovative approach may be our best hope in the long term. After scrutinizing NF membranes, this study has shown that using pioneering nanotechnology such as nanofiltration membranes leads to enhance water quality and deplete microbial and chemical pollution.
Keywords - Nanofiltration, Desalination, Food Industries, Water and Wastewater Treatment